CycleClips 28 February 2014

Go outdoors in the Cotswolds; Tom McClelland; Motorway madness? Richard's bicycle tour; Not just ordinary trousers; Junction malfunction; Blazing saddles; Chris is on board; Try out the Tri Show with a CTC member discount.

Do you fancy working for CTC? We have two current vacancies[12]: one for a Membership Officer working in Guildford, Surrey, with a closing date of 7 March; and one for a Play on Pedals Development Officer in Glasgow, with a closing date of 10 March.

Julie Rand, CTC Information Team

Get outdoors in the Cotswolds

With March nearly upon us, spring really can't be too far away. What better way to celebrate its arrival than the annual CTC Cotswold weekend[13], which takes place on 4-6 April 2014, hosted this year by Cheltenham CTC. The event will be based at Apperley near Tewkesbury and includes a programme of led rides in the beautiful surrounding countryside. There will be plenty of time to socialise with meals and refreshments available all weekend. Booking[14] has now been extended until Monday 10 March.

More top stories

Tom McClelland

CTC was very sad to learn this week of the death of Tom McClelland[15]. Tom was CTC’s Right to Ride campaigner covering the whole of Northern Ireland. In 2013 he was a major contributor to the establishment of an all-party cycling group in the Northern Ireland Assembly. He was also a CTC Volunteer of the Year award and had recently received a CTC Certificate of Merit. He will be much missed.

Motorway madness?

There was a media frenzy this week over a cyclist found riding[16] on the hard shoulder of the M25 in Surrey during the rush hour. The man, who cycled several miles and crossed several sliproads by dismounting his bike, was eventually stopped by police and fined £50. He had apparently followed a phone app when trying to find a shorter route home from work.

Richard's bicycle tour

Hopefully not straying onto motorways for his forthcoming Cycling Music[17] British tour will be musician Richard Durrant. The concert guitarist from Sussex is using pedal power to travel to the 36 gigs he’s playing at from 1 May-21 June 2014, covering 1,000 miles. His and a travelling companion’s bikes will carry all the show gear, power the amps and will even double up as lighting stands!

Not just ordinary trousers...

The innovative Springtime[18] picnic set may be a useful part of Richard’s luggage. Due to be in production soon, the ingenious design can be carried on the back of a bike and comprises a table, two seats and a container for food and utensils. And to go with the kit, why not buy a pair of Marks and Spencer’s new cycling chinos[19]? Currently only in men’s fit, they cost £39.95 and come in two shades.

Junction malfunction

The Mayor of London announced this week that £300m has been set aside to improve 33 of London’s biggest junctions, making them more cycle-friendly. However, CTC notes[20] that this means he's abandoned earlier promises to make changes to three times as many junctions, promised two years ago. MSc student Patrick Roote is working on a thesis entitled ‘What can civil engineers do to make cycling safer?’ and would like to hear your views[21].

Blazing saddles

What do you give the cyclist who has everything? How about a customised Brooks saddle from US-based Kara Ginther[22]? Kara can carve almost any design you want into the saddle’s leather, making each one unique. Prices range from $100-$400+, not including the saddle, and can be ordered from overseas. The process usually takes between 3-4 weeks.

Chris is on the board

Radio 5 Live’s BeSpoke[23] last night featured interviews with cycling stars who credit their success to the Manchester velodrome ‘medal factory’, which celebrates its 20th anniversary. Among them was Chris Boardman[24], who will form part of a panel of ‘road safety’ experts on Sunday’s ‘Top Gear[25]’ discussing a ‘useful public information film aimed at making the world safer for all cyclists' - made by a certain J. May and J. Clarkson.

Try out the Tri Show

You could meet some of the stars in person at the Bike and Triathlon Show[26], which takes place at Manchester Central on 8-9 March. There is also a sportive ride into the Cheshire countryside, as well as the chance to try out the StreetVelodrome. Tickets cost £12 in advance, with under 16s going free. CTC members receive half-price entry using the discount code CTC1501.

Julie Rand has edited CycleClips since 2011 and has been working at CTC in various guises since 2001.